Korean word

자존심

Pronunciation

Romanizationchajonsim

Meaning

  • nounpride

Example

그는 자존심을 버리지 못한다.keu neun cha jon si meul peo ri ji mo tan da

He can't let go of his pride.

Illustration for 자존심 (pride)

More examples

그는 자존심이 상해서 말이 없었다.keu neun cha jon si mi sang hae seo ma ri eop sseot tta

His pride was hurt, so he fell silent.

Core concept

The inner resolve to value oneself and keep one's dignity intact.

Common phrases

  • 자존심을 버리다cha jon si meul peo ri da

    give up one's pride

  • 자존심이 상하다cha jon si mi sang ha da

    have one's pride hurt

  • 자존심을 지키다cha jon si meul chi ki da

    maintain one's pride

Similar words

자부심chabusim: A pleased feeling about something achieved or a group to which one belongs.
자존감chajongam: A basic belief that one is a worthwhile person.
체면chemyeon: A person's public image and social standing in the eyes of others.

Definition in Korean

자존심은 자신을 존중하고 자신의 가치나 체면을 지키려는 마음.cha jon si meun cha si neul chon jung ha go cha si nui ka chi na che myeo neul chi ki ryeo neun ma eum

Word origin

The word is formed from Sino-Korean elements for self, respect, and mind, which together describe an inward feeling of honoring oneself.

Usage tips

  • A person can have this feeling without boasting, because it can mean quiet self-respect rather than showing superiority.

Other meanings

  • self-respectnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word